The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 260C.007, subdivision 6, to clarify the definition of a "child in need of protection or services." It specifically addresses the circumstances under which a child is considered to be without the special care required due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition. The new language stipulates that a parent, guardian, or custodian will not be deemed unable or unwilling to provide necessary special care if the child remains in an emergency department or hospital because they cannot access residential treatment or cannot be safely discharged due to a lack of available services.

Additionally, the bill retains existing definitions and criteria for identifying children in need of protection or services, including those who are abandoned, victims of abuse, or experiencing neglect. The amendments aim to ensure that the legal framework surrounding child welfare is more precise and sensitive to the complexities of care provision, particularly in situations where access to necessary services is a barrier to proper care.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 260C.007